Researchers from the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University in Malaysia revealed that Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) has antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. These findings, which were published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research, were based on the results of in vitro and in vivo studies.

Over the years, the economic cost and the health burden of diabetes continue to increase. Because of these, more people are now turning to more accessible medicinal plants as alternative treatments.

More than two-thirds of the world used natural products for treating various diseases in ancient times and recently, medicinal plants have been gaining scientific recognition for their efficacy.

Chinese cinnamon is a staple herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Its use as an astringent and antiseptic, as well as a remedy for nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea can be dated back to 5000 years ago.

Recent studies in both animals and humans have shown that Chinese cinnamon causes significant improvements in diabetes. However, none of these studies observed the relationship between antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the herb.

In this study, the researchers evaluated the antioxidant activity of Chinese cinnamon through in vitro free radical scavenging assays.

On the other hand, the authors studied the herb’s antidiabetic effects in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. They also observed for potential toxicity in vivo.

From their study, the researchers observed that Chinese cinnamon has potent antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Moreover, it did not induce toxicity in healthy cells. Overall, these results prove that Chinese cinnamon has potential use as a treatment for diabetes.